Facsimile having user interface with keys that enable undo, yes, no and report functions

ABSTRACT

An operator/facsimile interface includes an Undo key that enables an immediately previous action to be reversed, thereby allowing an operator to correct an erroneous entry or a mistakenly commenced operation with one key press. The operator/facsimile interface further enables entry of alpha-numeric data from a telephone-style keyboard. Alteration of displayed alpha-numeric characters may be accomplished by actuation of arrow keys, or sequential key presses of an alpha-numeric key. A displayed alpha-numeric character may be entered by actuation of an arrow key, an Enter key or a different alpha-numeric key. Completion of an alpha-numeric entry may be signaled by actuation of a Start key or Enter key. 
     The * and # keys in the telephone-style keyboard are assigned Yes and No functions, respectively, when the facsimile interface is in an alpha-numeric entry mode, thereby allowing immediate operator response to a displayed query. A report key enables a selective print-out of transmission and reception record data only when desired by the operator.

RELATED U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS

This is a division of Application No. 08/135,833, filed Oct. 13, 1993,now 5,764,737.

“Facsimile Having a User Interface with Automatic Offer of HelpMessage”, W. S. Miller, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/135,834filed on even date herewith.

“Facsimile Having a Multi-Path, Context, Interpretive, User Interface”,W. S. Miller, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/376,056 filed on evendate herewith.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to facsimile apparatus, and more particularly, toan operator interface for a facsimile that provides multiple,alternative, input paths to accomplish procedures employed by thefacsimile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Once a facsimile machine has been properly set up by the operator, itoperates in a substantially automatic mode to accomplish its connection,transmission and sign-off functions. If the facsimile includes a“one-touch” feature wherein actuations of each of a plurality of singlebuttons accesses prestored telephone numbers, the transmitting faxmachine, upon actuation of one such button, automatically dials theremote telephone number and transmits a standard recognition signalwhich the receiving facsimile acknowledges. Then, the transmitting andreceiving facsimiles send short messages back and forth to select thehighest speed possible before sending the documents. No action isrequired of an operator during this action, at either the sending or thereceiving end. When a transmission is completed, the facsimile unitsautomatically disconnect and the receiving facsimile provides hard copyfor the operator.

While transmission and reception operations of a facsimile are highlyautomated and require little or no operator input, such“user-friendliness” is often not manifest when an operator wishes toinput instructions or data into the facsimile via a control panel.Facsimile/operator interfaces typically recognize only a single sequenceof operations to accomplish a given input task. To determine the correctprocedure sequence, the operator must refer to an instruction manual andfollow its instructions slavishly to assure proper accomplishment of adesired task. Any deviation from the required sequence of operationswill prevent the accomplishment of the desired task.

Facsimile operator panels employ multiple keys that enable multiplefunctions to be accomplished—assuming the operator is aware of theproper sequence of key activations. Because of both cost and sizerestraints, little directory information is contained on the face of theoperator panel other than short key names. Certain key names areambiguous and lead to user confusion as to the exact function to beperformed by the key.

For any given facsimile task, there are usually a number of different“reasonable” approaches an operator might take to accomplish thetask—assuming that the operator has not reviewed the facsimile's manual.Each different approach will be taken by some percentage by the operatorpopulation. The traditional facsimile interface appears intuitive toonly that group of operators whose approach was implemented by thedesigners of the operator panel. Since modern facsimiles are soldworldwide and operator panels are used by operators from many cultures,the use of rigorous single-path procedures to accomplishfacsimile-related tasks leads to user frustration and resultingdissatisfaction with the facsimile product—even though the facsimileoperates in a perfectly appropriate manner when operated “according tothe book”.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improvedoperator/facsimile interface which provides multiple procedure paths toaccomplish tasks related to the facsimile unit's operation.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improvedoperator/facsimile interface wherein procedure paths for accomplishingfacsimile input functions are specifically designed to duplicateintuitive input procedures expected from plural operator populations.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an improvedoperator interface for a facsimile wherein actuation of a single keyenables reversal of discrete operator inputs.

It is still a further object of this invention to provide an improvedoperator/facsimile interface wherein an offer of help message isdisplayed, based upon an assumed need for assistance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An operator/facsimile interface includes an Undo key that enables animmediately previous action to be reversed, thereby allowing an operatorto correct an erroneous entry or a mistakenly commenced operation withone key press. The operator/facsimile interface further enables entry ofalpha-numeric data from a telephone-style keyboard. Alteration ofdisplayed alpha-numeric characters may be accomplished by actuation ofarrow keys, or sequential key presses of an alpha-numeric key. Adisplayed alpha-numeric character may be entered by actuation of anarrow key, an Enter key or a different alpha-numeric key. Completion ofan alpha-numeric entry may be signaled by actuation of a Start key orEnter key.

The * and # keys in the telephone-style keyboard are assigned Yes and Nofunctions, respectively, when the facsimile interface is in analpha-numeric entry mode, thereby allowing immediate operator responseto a displayed query. A report key enables a selective print-out oftransmission and reception record data only when desired by theoperator.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of a facsimile that incorporatesthe invention hereof.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an operator panel constructed in accordancewith the invention.

FIGS. 3a and 3 b illustrate a flow diagram of operator/facsimileinterface functions during an alpha-numeric entry mode.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a flow diagram which describes plural pathwaysfor accomplishing storage of a telephone number.

FIG. 6 is a high level flow diagram illustrating two pathways foraccomplishing an auto-dial function.

FIG. 7 is a high level flow diagram illustrating the operation whichoccurs when an Undo key is actuated.

FIG. 8 is a high level flow diagram illustrating when an offer of helpmessage is displayed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Facsimile Unit

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a facsimile that incorporates an improvedoperator/facsimile interface. The facsimile is controlled by a centralprocessing unit (CPU) 10 which communicates with all of the mainelements of the facsimile via a bus 12. The facsimile utilizes an inkjet print head 14 to provide hard copy output. A static random accessmemory (SRAM) 16 receives picture element data from CPU 10 via a gatearray 18. Picture element data is fed from SRAM 16 on an as-needed basisvia head driver 20 to an ink jet printhead 14.

A plurality of motors are controlled by CPU 10 to perform variousfunctions within the facsimile. Motor 22 provides a line feed (LF) drivefunction for a document being scanned. Motor 24 controls the movement ofthe carriage (CR) that carries printhead 14. Motor 26 controls theoperation of the service stations (SS) at which printhead 14 is parkedwhen not in use. Motor 28 controls sheet feed (SC) from a paper supplyto and past printhead 14.

LED array 30 and CCD array 32, in the known manner, scan a document tobe transmitted and provide image data to image processor 34 and an SRAM36. A program memory 38 stores the main control program for CPU 10. Anoperator panel CPU 40 is dedicated to assisting in the control ofoperator panel functions. The facsimile also includes a CPU work memory42 and a coder/decoder 44 (CODEC) that provides data encoding/decodingfunctions for both incoming and outgoing data. A modem 46 providesstandard telephone line interface function for signals that are fedthrough a network control unit 48 to and from the public switchedtelephone network.

Operator panel 50 provides an operator/facsimile interface and includesa key switch matrix 52 and a liquid crystal display (LCD) module 54. Aplan view of operator panel 50 is shown in FIG. 2 with LCD display 54indicating a standard default message on its face. Operator panel 50includes a plurality of “one-touch” auto-dial keys 56, each of which,when actuated causing an automatic dialing of a pre-loaded telephonenumber. A telephone-style 12 button key set 58 is positioned in thecenter of operator panel 50 and provides alpha-numeric input capabilityfor the facsimile. Key set 58 is substantially similar to that found onthe normal telephone except as follows: the ‘7’ key has assigned to italphabetic character Q; the ‘9’ key has assigned to it the alphabeticcharacter Z; the * key is, under certain circumstances, recognized as aYES input to the facsimile; the # key is recognized under certaincircumstances as a NO input from an operator; and the ‘0’ key enablesdisplay of a plurality of symbols on display 54.

When the facsimile is in a dial mode, such as indicated in FIG. 2 bydisplay 54, actuation of one of alpha-numeric keys 58 will cause thenumeral assigned to the actuated key to be entered and displayed ondisplay panel 54. When however, the facsimile is in an alpha-numericmode, depression of one of keys 58 will cause either an assigned numericor alphabetic character to be displayed in a character position ondisplay panel 54 at which a cursor is present. Further details of thealpha-numeric mode will be discussed below.

A plurality of function keys are included in operator panel 50. Operatoractuation of STOP key 60 causes whatever function is in process in thefacsimile to immediately cease and for the facsimile to reset to adefault state (e.g. that shown on display 54). Actuation of Undo key 62enables reversal of an immediately prior entry, without causing reset ofthe facsimile to the default state. The operation of the Undo key willbe described in detail below. An Enter key 64, when actuated, causes adisplayed cursor on display 54 to move to a next character positionwhile the previous character position remains in its existing state.Start key 66, when actuated, enables commencement of a facsimiletransmission or a copy function when the facsimile is in a copy mode. Aswill become apparent below, both Start key 66 and Enter key 64 are, attimes, recognized as commanding a commencement of a task. In a similarmanner, Undo key 62 and the #/no alpha-numeric key are recognized by thefacsimile, under certain circumstances, as providing a negative operatoranswer. Additionally, the #/yes key is sometimes recognized as anaffirmative operator answer.

Auto-dial key 68 enables access to one of a plurality of storedtelephone numbers. As will be understood from the description below, anactuation of Auto-dial key 68 causes display of one of a list oftelephone numbers available for automatic dialing. In order to select aparticular telephone number to be dialed, the operator increments thedisplay to a particular storage location where the desired telephonenumber is located. Then, by activation of either Enter key 64 or Startkey 66, the Auto-dial function is commenced. The Auto-dial functionpreferably stores many more telephone numbers than are available foractuation by One-touch Auto-dial keys 56. Thus, for example, theAuto-dial function may enable any one of 50 telephone numbers to beselectively accessed, whereas One-touch Auto-dial keys 56 only enables10 such numbers to be automatically actuated by operator selection ofone such key.

A Store Number key 70 provide the operator with a capability to insert anew telephone number into the Auto-dial listing. As will becomeapparent, in addition to Store Number key 70 enabling storage of atelephone number, there are four other procedures which may be followedby an operator to accomplish storage of a telephone number. In eachinstance, the procedure is in accordance with an expected series ofsteps which an operator might take in attempting to store a telephonenumber. The Store Number procedure will be described below in relationto the flow diagrams of FIGS. 4 and 5.

Report key 74 enables selective readout of a facsimile state. WhenReport key 74 is actuated first by the operator, the following appearson display 54:

Print Report (1-4) 1: Last Transaction

To select a print-out of the last transaction (number of pagessuccessfully transmitted, destination of the facsimile, etc), the userpresses Report key 74 a second time and a transaction print-out occurs.Should another print-out be desired (e.g., last 32 transactions) thenthe operator sequences down the 4 items of the Print Report menu to findthe desired entry. At such time, actuation of Report key 74 causes thedesired print-out. As a result, Report key 74 enables a print-out onlywhen one is desired by the operator, and avoids unnecessary print-outswhich occur automatically in the prior art.

A Menu key 76 enables presentation on display 54 of a plurality offacsimile functions which may be implemented by an operator. Some of thedisplayed functions duplicate those that may be accomplished byselective operation of one or more function keys or alpha-numeric keys.Arrow keys 78 provide movement control of a cursor shown on displaypanel 54. They also provide the operator with an ability to incrementthrough plural value selections or to move up or down through proceduresindicated on display panel 54 as a result of an actuation of menu key76.

The remaining controls on operator panel 50 (i.e. contrast button 80,resolution button 82, and photo button 84 enable alteration of therespective functions in accordance with operator choices. Thesefunctions are not relevant to the invention described herein.

From the description of the functions of each of the keys on operatorpanel 50, it can be seen that the operator has plural methods forcausing a task to be accomplished or a value to be changed or variousmenu functions sequenced through display panel 54. As a result, theoperator/facsimile interface does not rely upon a single predeterminedpath to accomplish many of the tasks required during operation of thefacsimile.

Alpha-Numeric Entry Procedures

Turning to FIG. 3, a logical flow diagram is shown that illustratesmethods available for alpha-numeric entry of characters into analpha-numeric field on display panel 54. Initially, it is assumed that acursor on display 54 is positioned within a field which is adapted todisplay alpha-numeric characters (box 100). The various instances duringwhich fields on display 54 are capable of receiving alpha-numericentries will be described with respect to procedures illustrated inFIGS. 4-8.

To display an alpha-numeric character, one of alpha-numeric keys 58 onoperator panel 50 may be selectively operated in the manner shown in box100. More specifically, if the “1” key is pressed, then a 1 is displayedin the alpha-numeric field. If keys indicating “2”-“9” are pressed, thena first alpha-numeric character assigned to the respective key isdisplayed. For instance, if key 11211 is pressed, the letter A willinitially appear. If the same key is pressed again, then a next in theseries of characters assigned to the key is displayed (e.g. “B”), etc.Successive presses of the “2” key will successively cause display ofcharacters: “A”, “B”, “C” and “2”. Continued presses of a key will causea continued “rotation” of displayed characters at a display characterposition where a cursor is displayed.

A similar rotation of displayed characters can be achieved, after aparticular alpha-numeric key 58 has been pressed, by continuedactuations of either of the up or down arrow keys 78. Those keys willrespectively cause opposite sequence rotations of the indicatedcharacters.

If the “0” alpha-numeric key 58 is actuated, a symbol (e.g., +, −, ×,etc.) is displayed at the character position on display 54 where thecursor is positioned. Continued actuations of the “0” key enable asequential display of assigned symbols (including the “0” value) throughthe cursor-indicated character position on display panel 54. Actuationof the up or down arrow keys 78 will also cause a sequencing ofdisplayed characters.

While sequential alpha-numeric key presses or actuation of the up ordown arrow keys can cause display of characters or symbols on displaypanel 54, such actions do not achieve an “entry” of the displayedalpha-numeric character. Such action is achieved (see box 104) byoperator actuation of either Enter key 64, or the right arrow key ofarrow keys 78, or a next alpha-numeric key. Any of those actions signalsto the facsimile that the alpha-numeric character presently indicated atthe cursor position is to continue to be displayed and the cursor is tobe moved to a next character position. In the case where a nextalpha-numeric key is actuated, not only does the cursor move to the nextcharacter position but the alpha-numeric character assigned to the nextactuated key is displayed.

Once the operator has completed entry of all desired alpha-numericcharacters into an alpha-numeric field on display panel 54, suchcompletion may be signalled by the operator pressing Start key 66 orEnter key 64 when the cursor is present at a blank character position(box 106). At such point, a query message is presented on display panel54 which asks: “Set Another Number? yes/no”. In response, actuation ofthe * key of alpha-numeric keys 58 designates a Yes, while actuation ofthe # key designates a No. If No is pressed, a default message ispresented (e.g., such as shown at display 54 in FIG. 2). If the Yes keyis pressed, a further alpha-numeric entry field is displayed and theprocess is available for repetition. By providing individual keys havingYes/No functions in the alpha-numeric mode, the user need not use the“9” and “6” keys to obtain access to the “y” and “n” alphabeticcharacters to designate a yes or no answer.

Telephone Number Storage Procedures

Turning to FIGS. 4 and 5, five procedure paths will be described whichenable an operator to store a telephone number. Each of the boxes inFIGS. 4 and 5 which indicate “Display” show a message that appears ondisplay panel 54. As shown at box 110, the default message “TO SEND FAX:DIAL & PRESS START” is displayed. Assuming the operator decides to pressStore number key 70 (box 112), the procedure causes display 54 toindicate as follows:

Set Number Opt. (1-2) 1: Set Auto-dial No

In response, assuming the operator wishes to enter an Auto-Dial number,the operator may signal selection of the indicated option by eitherpressing the “1” (to select option #“1”) or “Yes” key or Enter key 64 orStart key 66 (box 116). Any of the aforesaid key actuations indicates heoperator's assent to continue with the displayed procedure. In response,display panel 54 indicates as shown in box 118, as follows:

Auto-dial (01-50): nn Fax No.: -*- Unused

For exemplary purposes, it is assumed that there is memory spaceprovided for 50 Auto-Dial numbers and that display panel 54 indicates“nn”; “nn” is the first storage position that has no pre-assignedtelephone number. A flashing cursor “-*-” is positioned at the firstavailable character position on the second line and awaits theoperator's entry of a phone number (box 120). After entry of a phonenumber (e.g., 1234567), the display appears as follows (box 122):

Auto-dial (01-50):nn 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

As the operator has finished entering telephone number 1234567 (forexample), completion of the entry action is signaled. The operator maysignal such completion by pressing either “Enter” key 64 or Start key 66(box 124). At this point, display 54 indicates as shown at box 126 asfollows:

[nn]: 1234567 Name: -*-

As shown above, the flashing cursor -*- is positioned at the firstcharacter position after “NAME:” indicating that a name associated withthe entered telephone number may now be entered. Such entry, onceaccomplished, (box 128) is followed by the operator pressing Enter key64 or Start key 66 to complete the storage of the telephone number andthe associated name.

As often occurs, the operator may not have read the instruction manualthat accompanies the facsimile or may not realize that a telephonenumber can be entered by actuation of Store Number key 70. Toaccommodate such an operator, plural additional paths are available toenable storage of a telephone number. The operator may remember thatactuation of Menu key 76 will cause display panel 54 to indicate aseries of available functions. As a result, the operator may press Menukey 76 (box 130) to obtain an initial indication as follows (box 132):

Menu Options (1-9) 1: Fast Scan & Send

Since the operator is not interested in the fast document scan, followedby transmittal from memory (“fast scan and send”), the operatorincrements the display of menu options by actuation of up or down arrowkeys 78 or by actuation of an alpha-numeric (1-9) key, assuming theoperator knows which number memory position the Store Number procedureoccupies. In this instance, it is assumed that “Store Fax Number”procedure is present in memory position “3”. As a result, upon reachingmenu item 3, display 54 (box 136) indicates as follows:

Menu Options (1-9) 3: Store Fax Number

The operator may select “Store Fax Number” by either pressing the “3” orYes alpha-numeric keys 58 or Enter key 64 or Start key 66. Actuation ofany of the aforesaid keys indicates to the facsimile that the operatorwishes to store a telephone number. At such point, the procedure movesto the “Store number” procedure and continues as shown at boxes 114-128.

The operator may also accomplish storage of a telephone number by eitherpressing an unused One-Touch key 56; by pressing Auto-Dial key 68 or bysimply commencing to enter a telephone number. Each of those proceduresis illustrated in FIG. 5. Assuming the operator presses an unusedOne-Touch key 56 (box 140), display 54 indicates as follows (box 142):

[nn]: One-touch Empty Set One-touch? Y/N

As the cursor is positioned beneath the “Y”, the operator may assent tocontinuing the telephone number entry procedure by either pressingEnter, Start or Yes keys. If the operator wishes to decline furthermovement along this path, the user may move the cursor beneath the “N”and actuate the No key (box 144). Assuming that the user has assented toproceed further along this path, the procedure moves to box 118 (FIG. 4)and continues as shown.

If the operator presses Auto-dial key 68 (box 146), display 54 indicates(box 146) as shown below:

Auto-Dial (1-50) [nn]: NNNNN

The message indicates the number of the first memory position within theAuto-dial memory wherein space is available for a new telephone number.As an alterative, display 54 could also indicate position 1 in theauto-dial sequence and require the operator to sequence through thevarious storage positions to determine a first unused storage position.In either case, to select a particular storage position, the operatorenters the unused auto-dial memory position number or presses either theup or down arrow keys to the unused memory position and then pressesEnter key 64. Upon either of the actions described in box 150, display54 indicates as follows (box 152):

nn: Unused Set Auto-Dial? Y/N

At this point, the operator may continue the procedure as shown in box144 etc. or may terminate the procedure by positioning the cursor underthe N alpha-numeric and actuating the NO alpha-numeric key.

Finally, entry of a telephone number may be achieved by an operatorentering a telephone number through sequential actuation ofalpha-numeric keys 50 (154). When the complete telephone number has beenentered, display 154 indicates as follows (box 156):

Dial & Press Start 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

However, if the operator now presses Store number key 70 (box 158),display 54 indicates the following message (box 160):

Set Number Opt. (1-2) 1: Set Auto Dial No.

Assuming that the operator wishes to store the previously dialedtelephone number, the operator may either press the alpha-numeric keyYes or “1”, or Enter key 64 or Start key 66 (box 162). In response,display 54 indicates as follows (box 164).

Auto-Dial (01-50): nn Fax No.: 1234567

As can be seen, the entered telephone number is indicated on display 54and is ready for storage upon actuation of either Enter key 64 or Startkey 66 (box 124, etc.). Thus, any of five separate input paths willaccomplish storage of a telephone number for either the Auto-dialoperation or for the One-touch Auto-dial operation.

The Auto-dial operation may also be accomplished by either of twoprocedure paths, as illustrated in FIG. 6. To implement the first path,the operator presses a One-touch key. 56 which has a pre-assignedtelephone number indicated (box 166). In response, display 54 indicatesthe particular Auto-dial memory position and its assigned telephonenumber as follows (box 168):

Autodial (01-50) [nn]: 1234567

To cause automatic dialing of the displayed number, the operator presseseither Enter key 64 or Start key 66 (box 170) and the number isautomatically dialed (box 172). In the alternative, the operator maypress Auto-dial key 68 (box 174) which causes display 54 to indicate asfollows (box 176):

Autodial (01-50) [nn]: NNNNNNN

Assuming that display 54 indicates the first Auto-dial key storageposition, the operator (box 178) then either presses up or down arrowkeys 78 or enters a particular storage position number “nn” to causedisplay of a previously entered Auto-dial telephone number. Theprocedure then continues as shown in boxes 170 and 172 to accomplish thedialing of the desired number.

Undo Key

As indicated above, actuation of Stop key 60 causes discontinuance of anon-going facsimile function, with display 54 reverting to the defaultmessage shown in FIG. 2. Under such a circumstance, an operator mustcompletely restart a function sequence. To avoid this, an Undo key 66 isprovided that enables incremental reversal of operator inputs. Thefunctions performed by Undo key 62 are illustrated in FIG. 7 andcommence with its actuation by the operator (box 180). If the cursorindicated on display panel 54 is within a number/name field (i.e., it isnot positioned at a last entered character in the field), then actuationof Undo key 62 causes the cursor to be moved to the last enteredcharacter position within the field. A next actuation of Undo key 62causes the character at the cursor position to be removed from display54 and the cursor to be moved back one character position. In suchmanner, an alpha-numeric entry may be altered, selectively, bysuccessive operations of Undo key 62 (box 182).

If an alpha-numeric character is entered into display panel 54, causingan advance of the cursor, a subsequent actuation of Undo key 62 causesremoval of the just-entered alpha-numeric character and further causesthe cursor to back up one character position (box 184).

If a previous action involved one or more arrow key presses, anactuation of Undo key 62 causes reversal of the one or more sequentialarrow key presses to the state in existence prior to the arrow keypresses (box 186).

As shown in box 188, if Undo key 62 is pressed after Enter key 64 hasbeen actuated, then the facsimile proceeds to a state which preceded theactuation of Enter key 64. Finally, if Undo key 62 is actuated afterStart key 66 has been actuated, then whatever activity was commenced byactuation of Start key 66 is immediately terminated and the facsimilereturns to the state in existence before actuation of the Start key 66.

Help Message

As a result of operator unfamiliarity with the facsimile input function,excessive time between key actuations may occur during the operation ofoperator panel 50. The facsimile thus automatically offers help when anexcessive time delay is sensed between succeeding key actuations or whenan average time delay between plural succeeding key actuations exceeds apredetermined limit. The flow diagram shown in FIG. 8 describes theprocedure that enables appearance of a help message on display 54.

Initially, it is determined whether the facsimile is “in analpha-numeric entry mode (decision box 200) and if not, the procedurerecycles. If yes, a time measurement is commenced that determines anamount of elapsed time from the last alpha-numeric key press (box 202).

The elapsed time is tested against a predetermined threshold (e.g., 30seconds) to determine if the threshold has been equalled or exceeded(decision box 204). If no, the procedure moves to determine if a keypress has occurred (decision box 206) and if no, the procedure recyclesand again tests for a key press. If yes, the timer is reset (box 208)and the elapsed time measurement recommences (box 202). Thus, so long asa key press occurs within the elapsed time threshold, a help message isnot displayed.

If, however, the elapsed time threshold is exceeded, the procedure movesto decision box 210 where it is determined whether the offer of helpmessage has been declined twice by operator actuation of either the Noalpha-numeric key or the Undo key. If yes, the procedure ends and thereis no display of the offer of help message. More specifically, if theoperator has declined help twice, it is assumed that any further offerof help message will only be an annoyance.

If an offer of help message has not been declined twice, the offer ofhelp message is displayed (box 212), including a yes/no responserequest. If the user responds no (decision box 214), the procedurerecycles, resets the timer (box 208) and moves back to box 202 where thetime measurement recommences. If however, the user responds yes, a helpmessage is displayed (box 206) that is logically based upon the sequenceof keys that have been previously actuated.

A further time measure is continuously taken to determine whether theoperator is proceeding through key actuations at a rate that is slowerthan a predetermined threshold (indicative of a possible need for help).The rate is determined (box 220) by measuring the elapsed time from afirst key press that occurs after it is determined that the procedure isin an alpha-numeric entry mode. After entry of each character, thenumber of displayed characters, multiplied by ten seconds (for example),is added to the elapsed time determined in box 222. That value is termedthe “time sum” and changes each time a new character is displayed. Asshown in decision box 224, total elapsed time is continuously tested todetermine if its value exceeds the time sum.

Total elapsed time will never exceed the time sum if characters areentered at a rate that is greater than one character every ten seconds.By contrast, if the average rate of character entry is slower than 10seconds per character, decision box 224 issues a yes indication and, asshown by decision box 226, it is again determined if the help messagehas been declined twice. If so, the procedure ends. If not, the offer ofhelp message is displayed (box 228). If the user responds affirmativelyto the help message (decision box 230), the help message is displayed(box 234). If the user responds with NO or Undo key presses, the totalelapsed time is cleared to zero (box 232) and the elapsed timemeasurement commences again. (box 236). The procedure then recycles tobox 222 and continues.

Facsimile Broadcast

Consistent with the above described multipath approaches, the operatoris provided with plural procedures which allow facsimile broadcasting.The first approach is an extension of the most simple fax transmissionprocedure which is to dial a telephone number and press ‘Start’. Withthis approach the operator enters the number, presses ‘Enter’, entersthe next number, presses ‘Enter’ and so on until all broadcastdestinations have been entered. The operator then presses ‘Start’ andthe facsimile is transmitted in sequence to all entered numbers. As istypical throughout this invention, entering the telephone number can beaccomplished either by use of keyboard 58, or by One-touch keys 56 or byAutodial key 68 together with keyboard 58.

A second approach to broadcasting is implemented in the following threemenu options, “Scan & Send”, “Send to Two or More”, and “Schedule Fax”.In each option, after entering the telephone number and pressing‘Enter’, the operator is prompted on Display 54 with the message “Enteranother fax number? Yes/No”. If the operator responds positively, he isthen prompted for the next number and this action continues until theoperator declines the ‘Enter another . . . ’ prompt.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modificationscan be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from theinvention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace allsuch alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within thescope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A facsimile unit, comprising: a display panel for providinga user with visual indications of alpha-numeric information, includingqueries and telephone numbers; a telephone-like key pad; a processorhaving a memory unit, said processor being coupled between said displaypanel and said key pad for receiving telephone number information fromsaid key pad and for displaying said telephone information on saiddisplay; and a control program for causing said processor to respond tosaid key pad entries as numerical telephone information until at least acomplete telephone number has been entered, displayed and stored and forcausing said processor to display a query message to determine whether auser desires to continue to enter additional telephone numberinformation for storage in said memory; said control program for causingsaid processor to respond to predetermined ones of said key pad entriesas positive and negative responses to facilitate enabling the processorto determine whether the user desires to continue to enter additionaltelephone number information for storage; wherein said telephone-likekeypad includes a subset of keys, each key having plural-assignedalphabetic characters in addition to a numeric character assignment andsaid subset of keys further including at least two keys havingassigned * and # values; and said control program including: means forinitiating an alpha-numeric entry mode of operation for thetelecommunication unit, said alpha-numeric mode enabling entry ofalphabetic and numeric characters into character positions in saiddisplay panel from said key pad; and said processor including: meansresponsive to a user actuation of one of said two said keys havingassigned * and # values during said alpha-numeric mode by recognizingthe actuation of said key having an assigned * value as a positiveresponse and the actuation of said key having an assigned # value as anegative response whenever a query is displayed on said display panelduring said alpha-numeric mode; a function keypad, said function keypadincluding a key designated for reports, and wherein said processorfurther includes: report means responsive to a user actuation of saidkey designated for reports to display a menu entry on said displaypanel, said menu entry indicating availability of a plurality of statusreports of previously completed transactions and further indicating apre-selected one of said plurality of status reports, said report meansresponsive to a user interaction with said function key pad topre-select another one of said plurality of status reports and isfurther responsive to a further user actuation of said key designatedfor reports to cause said printer to print said pre-selected statusreport for user review.
 2. The facsimile unit as recited in claim 1,wherein said status report provides an indication of a status of a lastfacsimile transmission, including number of pages transmitted anddestination of the facsimile transmission.
 3. A facsimile unit,comprising: an operator panel to help facilitate facsimile unitoperations, said operator panel including a display panel and a functionkey set; said function key set including a report key, wherein a firstactivation of said report key causes a sequenced print report requestlist to be displayed on said display panel, said sequenced print reportrequest list being indicative of individual ones of N number oftransactions completed by the facsimile unit; and wherein a secondactivation of said report key causes a transaction report to be printed,said transaction report being indicative of a user selected one of the Nnumber of transactions completed by the facsimile unit wherein a thirdactivation of said report key causes the facsimile unit to print outanother user selected one of the N number of transactions completed bythe facsimile unit.
 4. A facsimile unit according to claim 3, furthercomprising: a processor for causing the facsimile unit to operate ineither a dial mode state or in an alpha-numeric mode state and a displaypanel to provide the user with a visual indication of a selected one ofthe two states of the facsimile unit; and wherein said operator panelfurther includes an alpha-numeric key set for providing a user of thefacsimile unit with alpha-numeric input capability; wherein activationof an individual one of the keys in said alpha-numeric key set cause anumeral associated with the individual key to be displayed on saiddisplay panel when said facsimile unit is operating in said dial modestate; and wherein activation of an individual one of the keys in saidalpha-numeric key set cause either an assigned numeric or alphabeticcharacter to be displayed on said display panel at a cursor designatedposition within said display panel when said facsimile unit is operatingin said alpha-numeric mode state.
 5. A facsimile unit according to claim4, wherein said processor causes a query message to be displayed by saiddisplay panel in response to an entry completion signal; whereinactivation of a predetermined one of the keys in said alpha-numeric keyset causes said processor to respond to the assigned key characterassociated with said predetermined one of the keys as a positiveresponse to the displayed query message; and wherein activation ofanother predetermined one of the keys in said alpha-numeric key setcauses said processor to respond to the assigned key characterassociated with said another predetermined one of the keys as a negativeresponse to the displayed query.